Every employee in the United States has certain rights protected by law. They may vary slightly depending on the state in which you work, but they all share a common goal: to ensure that workers are treated fairly and have the opportunity to earn a livable wage. These rights also include the right to a safe and healthy workplace and not to be discriminated against.
Unfortunately, there are times that some of these rights are overlooked by employers. In some cases, this may be intentional. But more often than not, it is simply a matter of the employer being unaware of the law or feel like they can get away with violating it. This should not be the case, especially for drivers who work hard to provide an essential service.
If you feel your rights as a driver for a company have been violated, it is important to speak up. You may be reluctant to do so because you are worried about losing your job or experiencing retaliation. But it is important to remember that you have rights, and there are ways to protect yourself. Here’s why you need to speak up.
1. It’s the right thing to do
If you’re being treated unfairly or not being paid what you’re owed, it’s important to speak up. It’s not right for anyone to be taken advantage of, and you have the power to help make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
Additionally, doing the right thing can guarantee changes in how the company treats you as their employee. You may see immediate action, or in the future, the company may think twice about violating your rights because they know you’re not afraid to stand up for yourself.
There’s nothing to be afraid of if you’re doing the right thing. That’s essential, especially if you’re speaking up for your rights. If you’re on the side of justice and know that you’re not breaking any rules at work, then you have nothing to worry about.
2. You could set an example for other drivers
If you’re the first to speak up about unfair treatment, you could set an example for other drivers. They may not have realized that they were being treated unfairly, or they may have been too afraid to speak up. But once they see you taking a stand, it could give them the courage to do the same.
When workers stand together, they are much more likely to be heard and to see real change. Your example could inspire other drivers to speak up about their rights, putting even more pressure on the company to make changes.
For example, if drivers are not given proper rest breaks, that’s a serious safety concern. If enough drivers speak up, the company may be more likely to change its policy. That’s something that benefits everyone involved.
3. You could get compensated for your losses
There are times when drivers are treated so unfairly that they suffer losses as a result. You may be entitled to back pay if you’ve been denied overtime pay or minimum wage. In some cases, you may also be able to get punitive damages, which are designed to punish the company for its actions.
For example, you’re driving a truck for a company. Then you got into an accident because you were forced to work excessive hours without proper rest breaks. If you can prove that the company’s actions led to the accident, you may be eligible for punitive damages on top of any other losses you suffered.
In this case, speaking with a trusted truck labor attorney is important if you’ve suffered losses because of your job. They can help determine if you have a case and what your next steps should be. Asking for compensation may be tedious, but it’s worth it if you can get what you deserve.
4. This can warn employers about future violations
If you take legal action and win, it sends a message to the company that they cannot violate your rights without consequences. Additionally, if the case goes public, it puts other companies on notice that they need to be careful about how they treat their drivers.
For example, if a company that owns a fleet of cars is sued for not providing proper rest breaks, that news will likely get around to other companies. They may be less likely to violate their driver’s rights because they don’t want to end up in the same situation.
Public cases can also help change the law to protect workers’ rights better. If a loophole is discovered that allows companies to get away with violating workers’ rights, that could be changed in the future to close that loophole.
5. This can help you move on from what happened
Taking legal action can also help you move on from what happened. It can be empowering to know that you stood up for yourself and fought back against injustice. And in some cases, it can help you get closure so that you can move on with your life.
For example, filing a lawsuit can be a way to get justice and hold the company accountable if a supervisor physically assaulted you. It can also help you put what happened in the past and start to move on with your life.
Filing a lawsuit is not easy, but it can be worth it if you feel your rights have been violated. If you’re considering taking legal action, speak with a legal expert who can help you understand your rights and options.
When fighting for your rights, know that you are not alone. Some organizations can help you with this process. The first step is to educate yourself about your rights as a worker. Then, if you feel that they have been violated, reach out for help. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you or treat you unfairly.
